An Unforgettable Experience Awaits
Take your students on a history school trip to Philadelphia and Washington, two major US cities jam-packed with educational experiences to enrich your school tour.
Trip Highlights
Independence Hall, birthplace of modern America
Freedom Rising show at the National Constitution Center
Guided visit of the United States Capitol in Washington DC
Smithsonian American History Museum in Washington DC
Itinerary suggestion
1 Flight to Philadelphia approximately 8 hours
2 Airport transfer to your accommodation
3 Arrive at accommodation. Evening meal (own arrangements)
1 Breakfast (own arrangements)
2 Walking tour of Independence National Historic Park
3 National Constitution Center
4 Evening meal (own arrangements)
1 Breakfast (own arrangements)
2 Take the Hop on Hop off city bus tour
3 Visit Reading Terminal Market and One Liberty Observation deck
4 Evening meal (own arrangements)
1 Breakfast (own arrangements)
2 Depart by coach to Washington DC making a stop Gettysburg Civil War Battlefield site
3 Evening meal (own arrangements) before visiting Union Station
1 Breakfast (own arrangements)
2 Explore Capitol Hill, Capitol building and Visitor Centre, Supreme Court and Library of Congress, plus the National Archive
3 See the outside of the White House and Monuments of the Mall
4 Evening meal (own arrangements)
1 Breakfast (own arrangements)
2 Explore Washington Monument, Smithsonian Museum or Arlington Cemetery
3 Airport transfer included
4 Overnight flight to the UK approximately 7 ½ hours
1 Arrive back in the UK
Recommended excursions
Independence National Historic Park
The birthplace of American Independence and democracy, it was in this historic area that a group of colonists planned independence from the King of England, which ultimately lead to the creation of the USA. Sites to visit include Independence Hall, the President’s House, The Liberty Bell Center, Carpenter’s Hall. The Independence Visitor Center is a gateway to the Historic Park.
Independence Hall
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Independence Hall is seen as the birthplace of America. See the Assembly Room where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were both signed. It was here in the Courtroom of Pennsylvania Supreme Court that militiamen tore down King George III’s coat of arms in an act of defiance.
The Liberty Bell Center and Liberty Bell
See the Liberty Bell, formerly housed in the Pennsylvania statehouse (Independence Hall) whose inscription came to be an extraordinary symbol of freedom. “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof (Leviticus, 25:10)” Historic documents, a video presentation and graphic images in the Liberty Bell Center explore the facts and myths around the bell.
National Constitution Center
Interactive exhibits explore the history of this important and influential document, the four most powerful pages in America’s history. One of the rare original public copies of the Constitution is on display. The multi-media live performance “Freedom Rising” in the Kimmel theatre is a dramatic depiction of events bringing history to life for students.
Hop on Hop off Big Bus City Tour
Explore the city of Philadelphia on an open-top double decker bus, and take in landmarks including Liberty Bell, Philadelphia City Hall, Elfreth’s Alley, The Love Sculpture, Betsy Ross House, Independence Seaport Museum, Boathouse Row, Museum of Art, and many more. Hop on or hop off at any of the 27 locations. A guide will give historical background, facts and stories about the city and its people.
Philadelphia City Hall
The impressive Philadelphia City Hall, completed in 1908, is considered to be at the centre of the historic city. A statue of the founder of Pennsylvania, William Penn stands proudly on top of the tower. The exterior is richly decorated with sculptures representing the seasons and continents and there are lavish interiors.
Reading Terminal Market
This bustling, colourful indoor food market is one of the oldest in the USA dating from 1892.The market has a great selection of fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods, confectionary, flowers, crafts and jewellery, and makes a great lunch stop with a seating area and a wide variety of different takeaway foods including the famous Philly cheesesteak.
Gettysburg Civil War Battlefield Sites
The Union victory at The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War. It was also the war’s bloodiest battle with 51,000 casualties. Students can tour the battlefield and explore the significant sites of this dramatic event. There’s also a museum and visitor centre to gain background knowledge on the Civil War, and free ranger-guided programmes.
Guided tour of the Capitol and Visitor Centre
Meeting place of The Senate and the House of Representatives, The Capitol is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. Guided tours here begin with a short film and include stops at the Rotunda and National Statuary Hall. The Exhibition Hall displays documents, artifacts, and interactive exhibits.
Supreme Court and Library of Congress
Students can visit the courtroom, with its velvet drapes and marble pillars, where the nine court justices hear some of the 6,500 cases submitted to the Supreme Court each year. The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with nearly 128 million items, including historically significant manuscripts on around 530 miles of bookshelves.
National Archives
The National Archives in DC provides students with a unique opportunity to access the original documents that founded American democracy in 1774. View the US Government’s Charter of Freedom, the US Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence.
Washington monuments
Visit some of the monuments that honour those who helped shape the US nation. The Washington Monument is a towering 555-feet high marble obelisk, The Lincoln Memorial is a symbol of freedom, the Martin Luther King Jnr Monument promotes love and tolerance, while monuments to the Vietnam War, the Korean War, World War II commemorate those that died.
Smithsonian Museums
The Smithsonian Institution – the world’s largest museum and research complex – includes 19 museums and galleries and a zoo. It’s dubbed ‘the nation’s attic’ for its eclectic holdings of 137m items. Take a museum tour or book activities from elephant baths at the zoo to tarantula feedings at Natural History or scavenger hunts at American Art.
National Museum of American history
Students can take a tour through the history of the colorful US nation at the National Museum of American History. The museum holds more than three million artefacts – all true national treasures. They include the original Star-Spangled Banner, Abraham Lincoln’s top hat, Dizzy Gillespie’s angled trumpet and Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz.
National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, D.C.
Part of the Smithsonian Institution, this museum in Washington DC is one of three dedicated to the life, languages, literature, history, and arts of the Native Americans of the Western Hemisphere. The museum’s sweeping, limestone-clad architecture, its indigenous landscaping, and its exhibitions give students the sense and spirit of Native America.
Arlington Cemetery
This military cemetery was established during the Civil War, and since then deceased veterans of America’s conflicts have been buried here, and their white headstones stretch out over 624 acres or rolling hills. A tour here can bring the military history of the United States to life. Don’t miss the elaborate Changing of the Guard Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Mount Vernon
The plantation home of the first President of the United States, George Washington, lies just 16 miles south of Washington DC and is perfect for a day trip. Students can visit the Mansion, Washington’s Tomb, the plantation and estate, which includes a 4-acre demonstration farm.
Tip: Head to The Ford Orientation Center for exhibitions on George Washington’s life.
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture
Featuring over 36,000 artefacts, the museum is dedicated to documenting African American life, history, and culture. Students will have access to a range of interactive exhibitions, explore what it means to be American, and understand how American values are reflected in African American culture.
International Spy Museum
For any super-sleuths in your party, a visit to the International Spy Museum should reveal some interesting secrets. A huge collection of espionage artefacts illuminates the work of famous spies and pivotal espionage actions. Uncover the strategies and techniques of the people behind some of the most secretive espionage missions in history.
Learning outcomes
Subject focus
Students can:
- Gain a deeper understanding of American history and politics and the links to European history
- Understand the development of democracy in the US and the principles of the Constitution
- Observe in action the processes that shape political life in the US
- Compare political processes in Washington with those in the UK
- See the monuments to historical figures and events and the museums dedicated to events that helped shape American political culture
Student outcomes
Students will have had an opportunity to:
- Understand the diverse experiences and ideas, beliefs and attitudes that have shaped the nation and the modern world
- See the sites of important events and decisions in US history
- Understand what influences decision-makers
- Develop a knowledge of American History and political history
Help with visiting Philadelphia and Washington DC with students
Transport
Philadelphia and Washington DC both have excellent public transport systems for conveniently getting around.
We can arrange coaches if you wish to tour the city sites in the comfort of your own coach, or tickets for the Hop On Hop Off bus tour.
Excursions
With so much to see and do in Philadelphia and Washington DC, we will work with you to plan your tour and pre-book all your excursions and activities. Entrance fees for many visits can be pre-paid before travel.
Tour guides
We can book half or full-day guides to enhance your experience for walking tours or coach tours.
Meals
“
Thanks to all the team at Travelbound, Bryony especially, for a fantastically organised visit to the US. We had a wonderful visit, superbly organised, action-packed days and super fun evenings. It was all we could have hoped for.
Norwich High School for Girls
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Our trip to Washington and New York was a great experience for everyone, and Travelbound did everything possible to accommodate us with a lot of flexibility and communication!
Shoreham Academy
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A wonderful trip to Washington, Philadelphia and New York, students made memories that will last a lifetime. The trip went perfectly.
Abbey Grange C of E Academy
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Fantastic trip to Washington DC organised with Travelbound. They were responsive to our requests and were accommodating to the various requirements we had. The app was particularly useful and meant that it was easy to show bookings at restaurants and excursion. Overall, it was a well planned trip.
Surbiton High School
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Very good service and personalisation of our trip
Kelvinside Academy
Typical accommodation
Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia Midtown ★★★
What groups like:
- Centrally located stylish hotel, close to Liberty Bell
- Large number of double/double rooms ideal for student groups
- Walking distance to all key historical sites including Independence National Historic Park
Facilities:
- Deluxe hot buffet breakfast included
- Rooms with TV, hairdryer
Comfort Inn Downtown DC/Convention Center ★★★
Why groups like it:
- Centrally located and great value boutique style hotel
- Close to nearby major attractions including White House and Verizon Center
- Deluxe hot buffet breakfast included!
Facilities:
- Rooms with TV, hairdryer and fridge
- 24-hour reception
- Free Wi-Fi
Holiday Inn Express Washington DC – Downtown
Why groups like it:
- Historic DC landmarks and attractions are within walking distance
- Close to the National Mall, US Capitol, White House and Washington Monument
- Three nearby metro stops
Facilities:
- All rooms with private facilities
- Flat screen TV, mini refrigerator
- Hot Breakfast can be arranged
Book with confidence
Ready to start planning your school trip? Contact our educational specialists on 01273 244572 or request a quote below, tailored to your group and learning objectives.
